Super Bears’ find new destinations (SLIDESHOW)

When Samantha Jennings and Samantha Raymor first heard of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, they were stunned like many across the nation.

LAUREN DELGADO / Daily News

FORT WALTON BEACH — When Samantha Jennings and Samantha Raymor first heard of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, they were stunned like many across the nation.

The two friends talked about the tragedy on Facebook and shared their desire to do something positive in its wake. They started brainstorming ideas.

The duo began collecting “Super Bears” — teddy bears with capes and inspirational messages attached to them — to send to Sandy Hook Elementary.

“Every little kid needs a super hero,” Jennings said.

However, Newtown, Conn., had asked a few days ago that no more teddy bears be sent, as the town was flooded with donations from all over the world. Jennings and Raymor now plan to send the bears to young victims of Hurricane Sandy, patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and police departments, which use bears to comfort children.

“This is still in memory of the children from Connecticut,” Raymor said.

On Wednesday, a donation rally was held at Uptown Station’s Central Park. About 40 bears and 25 people attended, including local musicians Nik Flagstar and Micky Mouth.

Besides a handmade cape, each bear will carry with it a message of hope or inspiration for its recipient.

“This is to remind kids they’re not alone and on their own,” Jennings said. “Somebody out there cares.”

The response from businesses and organizations has been amazing, Jennings said. The Hard Rock Café in Destin simply heard about the effort and donated a number of limited edition teddy bears. Uptown Station donated the venue for the rally. And the Association of the Wicked, a national organization that helps charities, donated bears and some capes.

People from all over the world also have responded. Requests for ways to help have come from as far away as the United Kingdom, Jennings said. Just through Facebook, the word has gotten out.

Rebecca Shandrick, a friend of Raymor’s, said she also was moved to do something after the shooting. Although the bears will not go to Newtown, they still will go to those who need them most, she said.

“It’s just coming from the heart,” Shandrick said of Super Bears. “It’s letting people know not everyone is bad.”